For infants older than 34 weeks, which feeding method is preferred?

Breastfeeding is preferred for infants older than 34 weeks gestational age because it provides numerous benefits essential for their growth and development. At this age, infants are typically capable of coordinating sucking, swallowing, and breathing, which are crucial skills for effective breastfeeding.

Breast milk is nutritionally superior, containing the right balance of carbohydrates, proteins, fats, vitamins, and minerals needed for an infant's growth. It also contains antibodies and other immunological factors that help boost the infant's immune system, protecting them from infections and promoting better overall health.

Additionally, breastfeeding fosters a strong bonding experience between the mother and infant, which is vital for emotional and psychological development. It also allows for a more tailored nutritional approach, adapting to the infant's changing needs as they grow.

In contrast, while other methods like paladai, nasal gastric (NG), or oro-gastric (oroG) tube feeding or formula feeding may be necessary in certain situations, they don’t offer the same health benefits provided by breastfeeding. Paladai is a supplement for breastfeeding but does not replace the nutritional benefits of breast milk. NG or oroG tube feeding may be used in special circumstances when direct breastfeeding isn’t feasible, but these approaches do not provide the immunological and